Day 2 of the festival and I head down to the Academy early as I have Interviews to do. After a meeting with fellow guests, held by Jonni Davis CEO of HRH, where he outlined future plans, it was time to get the show going. The good thing about the press room is that it’s quick and easy to get from stage 1 to stage 2, as today some bands overlap that I am keen to watch.
FALLEN MAFIA are one of those bands that you must see. Hannah Neil has a very strong voice, it dominates over low and mean guitars from Chris Johnson and Stephen Hope, who together with Adas Cowan on drums and bassist Jack Martin, make up this hard hitting metal band. On stage 2 at just after 1pm, there is a surge of people coming in as they hear the band strike up. Yes, really infectious, repeating riffs and again that low punishing sound gets into your head. They are finally getting the attention they deserve, as amazingly they formed back in 2011. After being the first band to play the Stonedeaf Festival last year, Fallen Mafia have been busy and after 4 EP’s they are releasing their first album on the 14th September, called ‘Awaken’. They will be launching it in their home town of Newcastle at the O2 Academy, on that same night.
Next on stage 2 are DOOMSDAY OUTLAW, who have that unique blend of blues and rock that must stem from the water in Derbyshire. Phil Poole has magnificent style, the vocalist always keeps your attention, with his seemingly unplanned stage routine. I first saw them a couple of years ago at the Breaking Bands festival and liked them from the off, the mix of grooves and the essence of 60’s psychedelia makes them so different. The set includes many from the albums ‘Suffer More’ and ‘Hard Times’ and they bow out with ‘All That I Have’ and ‘Bring You Pain’. Go see them on tour in October.
SYKKO DOLLZ are on stage 1 at 2pm, rather early for this dark and sinister looking lot. Vocals by way of Gaz Harris, (Ex Wrathchild and Gypsy Pistoleros), Neil Franklin on bass, Aaron Laight guitarist, who plays his final show with them today and Dean Thirkettle on drums. It’s a really sleazy approach by the Dollz and they are perfect for this festival. The crowd are huddled on the barrier as the guys from the West Midlands start up, formed back in 2015 they have a massive following. Playing rock and roll as it should be, it’s as simple as that, these guys know how to get the word across. Check them out under their new name Psycho Dollz.
The TRENCH DOGS follow on stage 1, Swedish glam rockers who epitomise the way sleaze bands should look. Starting out in 2013 they have just released the debut album ’Year Of The Dog’ so we get to hear a lot from it today. ‘Kids’, ’Homesick Parade’ ‘Montenegro’ are sweetly licked, before they play ‘Burn Church Street’ from 2016. A couple off the EP ‘Fashionably Late’ during the final leg with ‘Ode To Ashes’ and ’Self Sabotage’ and they cut the noose with ’Do You Love Me’.They went down really well with the HRH audience, hope to see them again soon.
Dean Foxx stands in front of the crowd with the new line up of KNOCK OUT KAINE, looking every bit the coolest guy in the room. Dark sunglasses and that jet black hair gain him instant nods from the Sleaze punters. Now a 5 piece, the band from Lincolnshire are out to prove themselves after taking a few months off to reboot. Bass player Paul Crouch and additional six stringer Tom Robinson complete the new look, with existing members, Danny Krash on drums and Jimmy Bohemian also on guitar. I have to say that the performance only after the first song, ‘Nothing Ever Changes’ is pretty impressive. Strong and moody, they continue with the excellent rocking ’16 Grams Of Heart Attack’ before a few from the ‘House Of Sins’ album. ‘Coming Home’ is a beautiful power ballad and ’Time’ is a delightful cruise. Foxx has a decent voice, there was never any doubt about that, knew Knock Out Kaine wouldn’t be silent for long, great to see them back. The 3rd full album ‘Living Breathing Monster’ is out soon and they will be on the road to promote it.
BLACK ROZE appear on stage 2 while the main stage is in full momentum, so you have to choose who you want to see at this point. The energy of this band is amazing, with Vixen up front, providing plenty of glamour. Hard to imagine that only 2 years ago they were a covers band, deciding to write their own material has certainly paid off, as they are fast becoming regulars on the bill. ‘Why Don’t You’ with its catchy riff, is a real pleaser. They also cover ’Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’ and it’s done to perfection. Original numbers like ‘So Sleazy’ and ‘In The Darkness’ are laid out by Baz Roze and Jaime Cortinas on guitars, while Steve Rankin backs up the rhythm on bass and Vic Stick hits the drums. The album ‘Spiritual Hell ‘ comes out on October 5th, Black Roze play a launch gig that night in Ramsgate.
Moving from Barcelona to Birmingham StOp sToP are now attracting attention, in a big way here in the UK. I saw them at Nozfest recently, the charm of this trio on stage, with their comical and synchronised routines, is so innovative you can’t help but smile. Dressed as old men, they fire up with ‘The Last Call’ replicating the hilarious video for this track off the new ‘Get Selfied’ album. ‘Poser’ ‘Living A Lie’ and ‘Lola’ are watched by a packed room, the atmosphere has gone into full party mood, they are loving Jacob on vocals, guitarist Vega and Danny on drums. All three jump into the audience to play ’Stop Stop’ which includes brief lines from ‘Knocking On Heavens Door’ and ’So Lonely’. Back on stage they cover ‘Proud Mary’ collapse on the floor and it’s suddenly all over. One of the best bands this weekend, so entertaining, another angle on how to rock and roll.
RECKLESS LOVE are Finnish glam rockers, with a capital G. After years of playing Guns and Roses covers, in 2010 it was time for a change, they released a self titled album , quickly followed by ‘Animal Attraction’ the next year and started to top the Finnish charts. Tonight they are greeted by adoring fans, vocalist Olli Herman is a perfect specimen, hard to take your eyes off the adonis. ‘Animal Attraction’ from 2011 and ‘So Happy I Could Die’ soon heat the o2 up. ‘Monster’ ‘Born To Break Your Heart’ ‘Badass’ and the fabulous ‘Romance’ follow quickly, the tempo is fast and the performance is sticky sweet. Pepe Reckless on guitar and Jalle Verne with bass are joined by Hessu Maxx on drums, to complete the band. Loved them.
Down to the last two bands now, ENUFF Z NUFF have brought back Alex Kane on guitar, replacing Tony Fennell in March. Having been around since 1985 and getting massive from the late 80’s, we have grown to accept the changes. Chip Znuff is on vocals these days, tonight, in his trademark flares, sunglasses and cap, he fronts the band with Alex and Tory Stoffregen along side him and Dan Hill on drums. ‘Metalheart’ ‘Kiss The Clown’ open, then it’s time to sing along to ‘Heaven or Hell’ and ’Baby Loves You’. Alex is a real showman, swinging his guitar above his head and getting the crowd to clap along. ‘Diamond Boy’ from last years album of the same name, is a regular on the list these days. ‘In The Groove’ and Bowie’s ‘Jean Genie’ follow. A lot of cool solo guitar from Tory and of course, the party trick when Chip stands behind him to play his guitar while Mr Stoffregen handles the bass and drinks from a bottle. ‘Wheels’ is a favourite and we could chant the ‘Whoos’ all night. Wouldnt’ be the the same without ’Fly High Michelle’ where they are joined by The Last Great Dreamers for a sing along, also ’New Thing’ and then ‘The World Is A Gutter’ provides the encore. Lovely show, they never fail to play their hearts out and such fabulous guys, who take time afterwards to join us.
TYLA’s DOGS D’AMOUR are headlining, have fond memories of Tyla having followed his antics over the last 30 years or more. He is a natural isn’t he? Besides singing, he is a poet, artist and affable gentleman. This version of the Dogs, still give us all the classics, ‘Last Bandit’ which I sing along to with Adam Bomb at her bar, ‘Billy Two Rivers’ and ‘I Think It’s Love Again’, bring back happy days and there is a really nostalgic feeling in the air. Probably seeing Tyla on a bottle of Red and many of those hanging by the bar, dressed in sleazy fashion helps! ‘How Come It Never Rains’ ‘Drunk Like Me’ and the amazingly timeless ‘Heroine’ get full support from the bar. ‘Errol Flynn’ is last up and HRH Sleaze ends for another year, on a high.
Time to hug, kiss and bid farewells, before we head out into Sheffield’s night air, an absolutely tremendous weekend.
Photo credit – Paul Richardson of Cyclops Gig Photos , Thank you .
